Mackendy Francois, 23, has “found an unlikely outlet in amputee soccer, a physically demanding sport that advocates for the disabled hope will create new opportunities for Haitians who have lost limbs and are now struggling to survive…”

Following news that the Haitian government raised its earthquake-related death toll to 316,000, the Associated Press published a remarkable article on survivors with amputees playing competitive soccer.

Haiti’s amputee athletes are exceptional, and they are demonstrating their skills and passion through competitive sports. Haitians’ love of the game is such that almost nothing can stop kids here from enjoying soccer. This summer, GOALS will work with partner organizations to reach out to children disabled from the 2010 earthquake and provide new ways for them to play soccer. Want to learn more? Check out the American Amputee Soccer Association and the International Institute of Sport.